Jaipur, the dazzling capital of Rajasthan, dresses up once again in November to celebrate another anniversary of its founding. Walking through its spice-scented streets, between palaces that seem to float in time and walls that still whisper stories of brave kings, one understands why this city is far more than a tourist destination — it is a feeling.

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was one of the first planned cities in India. Designed according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra, it was created for harmony, protection and prosperity. Three centuries later, its spirit remains intact.

The Pink City: a symbol of hospitality and pride

Jaipur has been known as “The Pink City” since 1876, when — in honour of the visit of the Prince of Wales — its façades were painted terracotta, a colour symbolising welcome. What began as a gesture of hospitality became an identity, and since then the city has preserved this shade that glows differently with every hour: soft orange at sunrise, deep rose at sunset.

Walking through the historic centre today is to encounter this living heritage. Among markets overflowing with jewellery, handicrafts and textiles, the famous tuk-tuks weave between motorbikes and carts, creating the urban symphony that makes India unique.

The spirit of the Maharajas: strength, resilience and beauty

The history of Jaipur cannot be told without its maharajas. Sawai Jai Singh II — astronomer and strategist — imagined a city where science, culture and commerce lived in balance.
Other rulers defended the region with courage: in the forts of Jaipur — especially the imposing Amber Fort, perched on a hill like a guardian of time — stories of battles, alliances and resistance still echo.

Climbing the fort at dawn, between slow-moving elephants and cool morning wind, is an experience that blends beauty with solemnity. From there, Jaipur unfolds like a perfect mosaic of light and history.

The Palace of Winds: an icon that breathes

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is perhaps the most iconic image of Jaipur. Its façade, with 953 tiny windows, was not built to impress — although it does — but to allow the women of the royal court to observe daily life in the streets without being seen. A masterpiece of delicacy and silent power.

Seeing it turn rose-gold at sunset, while traffic swirls beneath, is a reminder of how this city embraces its past without stopping its progress.

An anniversary celebrating living history

This year, Jaipur celebrates another anniversary with its characteristic vigour. The city prepares for cultural festivals, handicraft fairs, contemporary art exhibitions and heritage activities such as the Jaigarh Heritage Festival, which brings together traditional music, folk dances and local cuisine in a setting straight out of a storybook.

To this, one must add the ongoing cultural movement: open galleries, literary events, comedy, gastronomy and artistic expression at every corner.

Jaipur does not celebrate only its history.
It celebrates its capacity to reinvent itself.

A must-visit destination for global travellers

For international visitors, Jaipur is one of the most captivating places in India. Its highlights turn every trip into a journey into the cultural heart of the country:

• Amber Fort, a marble-and-sandstone palace-fortress
• Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds
• City Palace, a royal complex still inhabited
• Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage astronomical observatory
• Traditional bazaars, where Rajasthani craftsmanship shines
• Tuk-tuk rides, an essential part of daily life
• Cuisine, with bold, spiced and unforgettable flavours

Jaipur is a perfect blend of history, colour, hospitality and energy.

Today, on its new anniversary, Jaipur reaffirms why it is considered one of the most beautiful and emblematic cities in India. Its grandeur lies not only in its palaces, but in its people. Not only in its past, but in its ability to keep vibrating with the strength of a city that honours its roots while looking forward.